Man suspected of murdering his mother in Coloma arrested

Monty Ray Menefee was taken into custody Tuesday morning in Ohio after a stolen vehicle he was allegedly driving was located by the Ohio State Highway Patrol.

Menefee was wanted for questioning in the stabbing death of his mother, 79-year-old Lavonne Monta, Friday night.

Police say it was the first homicide in Coloma in at least 30 years.

Menefee's vehicle was found by police Sunday in Allegan County, Mich. It was then learned that Menefee was driving a vehicle that was reported as stolen just two miles north of where Menefee's vehicle was found.

Police say this investigation is ongoing.

If you have any information on this case, please contact the Berrien County Dispatch at 269-983-3060.